The basic steps to sign in to your bank's website or app
To sign in to your bank account online, go to your bank's website or open their mobile app, enter your username or account number, then enter your password. Most banks will then send a code to your phone or email — enter that code to finish signing in. The exact steps vary slightly between banks, but this pattern is standard across most institutions.
If you have never signed in before, you will need to set up your online account first. Your bank can walk you through this in person at a branch, or you can often start the setup process on their website by entering your account number and other identifying information.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require a username or account number, a password, and a second verification step (usually a code sent to your phone) to sign in.
- If you do not have an online account yet, visit your bank's website or go to a branch to set one up using your account number and ID.
- Write down your username in a safe place, because many people forget it — your account number is not the same thing.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page rather than calling the bank repeatedly.
- Two-factor authentication (the code sent to your phone) protects your account from unauthorized access, even if someone learns your password.
Setting up your online account if you do not have one yet
If you have a bank account but have never signed in online, you need to create your online login first. The fastest way is to visit your bank's website and look for a link that says "Enroll" or "Create Online Account" or "Register." Click that link and enter your account number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The bank will verify this information against their records.
Once verified, you will choose a username and password. Your username is often different from your account number — write it down somewhere safe, because this is what you will type in every time you sign in. Your password should be something only you know. Many banks require passwords to be at least 8 characters long and include both letters and numbers.
If you cannot find the enrollment link on the website, or if the online setup does not work, go to a branch in person with your ID and account number. A bank employee can set up your online account for you and give you a temporary password to use the first time you sign in.
What to do if you forget your username or password
If you forget your username, go to your bank's sign-in page and look for a link that says "Forgot Username" or "Can't Sign In." Enter your account number or the email address on file, and the bank will send your username to that email. If you do not have access to that email anymore, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank statements) and they can verify your identity and send it to a different email.
If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page. The bank will send a reset link to your email or a code to your phone. Follow that link or enter the code, and you can create a new password. This process usually takes a few minutes. Do not call the bank to ask them to tell you your old password — they cannot do that, and the online reset is faster.
Understanding two-factor authentication and security codes
After you enter your username and password, most banks will send a code to your phone via text message or to your email. This is called two-factor authentication, and it is a security step. You must enter this code on the sign-in page to finish logging in. The code usually expires after 5 to 10 minutes, so enter it right away.
Two-factor authentication protects your account because even if someone learns your password, they cannot sign in without access to your phone or email. This is why banks ask for a phone number and email address when you set up your account — they use these to send you the security code.
If you do not receive the code, wait a minute and request a new one. If texts are not working, most banks will send the code to your email instead. If you still do not receive it, call your bank's customer service line — they can verify your identity and let you sign in without the code this one time, or they can update your phone number or email address on file.
Signing in on your phone versus a computer
Most banks have both a website (for computers) and a mobile app (for phones). You use the same username and password for both. The mobile app is often faster if you sign in frequently, because many phones can save your login information securely. The website works on any computer, even if you do not have the app installed.
When you first sign in on a new device — a new phone, a borrowed computer, or a public library computer — the bank may ask you to verify your identity again or confirm that you trust that device. This is normal. On your own devices, you can usually choose to remember the device so you do not have to verify every single time.
Never sign in on a public computer (like at a library or internet café) and choose "remember this device." Always sign out completely when you are done, and do not let the browser save your password.
What to do if you cannot sign in at all
If you have entered your username and password correctly but still cannot sign in, your account may be locked for security reasons. This often happens after several wrong password attempts. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again, or call your bank's customer service number to unlock it.
If your bank's website or app is not loading at all, check whether you have an internet connection. Try a different web browser or restart your phone. If the problem continues, it may be a temporary outage on the bank's end — wait a few minutes and try again. You can also call the bank's customer service line to confirm whether they are experiencing technical problems.
If you have not signed in for a very long time (usually more than a year), your online account may have been deactivated for inactivity. Call your bank or visit a branch to reactivate it.
Keeping your sign-in information find
Never share your username, password, or security codes with anyone — not even bank employees. Your bank will never ask you for your password. If someone calls or emails claiming to be from your bank and asks for your password, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the email and call your bank directly using the number on your debit card.
Do not use the same password for your bank account as you use for other websites. If another website gets hacked, a criminal could try that password on your bank account. Use a password that is unique to your bank.
If you think someone else has signed in to your account, change your password when ready and call your bank. They can review your account for unauthorized activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my username the same as my account number?
No. Your account number is printed on your checks and debit card. Your username is something you choose when you set up your online account, and it is usually shorter and easier to remember. Both are needed to sign in — the bank asks for your username on the sign-in page, not your account number.
What if I do not have a phone to receive the security code?
When you set up your online account, provide both a phone number and an email address. If you do not have a phone, the bank can send the code to your email instead. If you lose access to both, call your bank's customer service line and they can verify your identity another way and let you sign in.
Can I sign in from outside the United States?
Yes, but your bank may flag the sign-in as unusual and ask you to verify your identity. You may receive a call or email asking you to confirm that you are traveling. This is a security measure. Have your ID ready and answer the bank's questions honestly. Some banks temporarily block international sign-ins for security — if this happens, call them to let them know you are traveling.
What should I do if I see a sign-in page that looks different than usual?
Stop and do not enter your information. Go directly to your bank's website by typing the address into your browser yourself, or call the number on your debit card. Scammers sometimes create fake sign-in pages that look almost identical to the real one. If you are unsure, call your bank before signing in.
Do I need to sign in every time I want to check my account?
Not necessarily. Most banks let you stay signed in on your own device for a period of time — usually 24 hours or longer. On public computers, always sign out when you are done. On your own phone or computer, you can choose to stay signed in, but sign out if you are concerned about security or if someone else uses that device.